Contact, booking, and float details
The quickest way to check availability is to book online or text Matt at (406) 224-8972 with your date, group size, preferred float window, and whether you want food add-ons.
This page covers direct contact, scenic float pricing, how booking works, cancellation terms, weather conditions, food options, and what to know before your Yellowstone River float.
Direct contact
Near Paradise Valley and Bozeman.
Private scenic float pricing
The base scenic float is $595 for up to 3 guests, and guests 4 through 6 are added at $185 per person.
Private Scenic Float
For up to 3 guests. Includes boat, guide, cooler, ice, bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks, blankets, and safety gear.
Additional Guests
Per additional guest. Maximum capacity is generally 6 guests per boat depending on conditions and boat assignment.
Choose your float window, select guest count, and request food add-ons if you want them included with your trip.
Cancellation, deposit, and weather conditions
Deposit
A deposit may be required to hold your date. Remaining balance is due before or on the day of the trip depending on the booking setup.
Cancellation
Deposits are refundable up to 30 days before your trip. Inside 30 days, deposits may be forfeited unless the date can be rebooked. If the date is rebooked, the deposit is refunded.
Weather Dependent
These trips are weather dependent and river dependent. We match the Yellowstone River section, launch, and timing to current flows, weather, and the kind of day your group wants.
Weather & River Conditions
If conditions are unsafe or clearly not suitable for a scenic float, we reschedule or refund if no good option exists. Light weather can still make for a good float, but safety and comfort come first.
Three simple steps
Step 1
Choose the classic scenic float and select your preferred morning, afternoon, or evening float window.
Step 2
Select the number of guests. The base rate covers up to 3 guests, then guests 4, 5, and 6 are added at $185 per person.
Step 3
Request food add-ons if you want them, then leave notes about your preferred start time inside the flexible window.
Morning, afternoon, and evening
Morning, afternoon, and evening scenic floats are available, with flexible timing built into each window.
Morning Float
Core start: 9:30 AM
Flexible window: 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Best for softer light, cooler mornings, wildlife, coffee, and families who want to be done earlier.
Afternoon Float
Core start: 12:30 PM
Flexible window: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Best for travel days and guests coming from Bozeman, Livingston, Chico, Sage, or Yellowstone-area lodging.
Evening Float
Core start: 4:30 PM
Flexible window: 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Best for cooler air, evening light, couples, photos, small groups, and a relaxed end to the day.
Boards, snacks, and sandwiches
Food is optional and handled separately from the boat price. Food orders are best placed at least 48 hours before your float when possible.
Morning Board
Best for: Morning float
1 to 3 guests: $155
4 to 6 guests: $195
Breakfast-style board with pastries, fruit, jams, breads, and coffee-style options depending on availability.
Afternoon / Evening Board
Best for: Afternoon or evening float
1 to 3 guests: $175
4 to 6 guests: $215
Charcuterie-style board with meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, vegetables, dips, and seasonal additions.
Sandwich Add-On
Available: Afternoon and evening floats, Tuesday through Saturday
Not available: Morning floats, Sunday, or Monday
Sandwiches are available by preorder when timing and vendor availability allow.
Included, not included, and what to bring
Included
Classic wooden dory
Licensed guide
Cooler and ice
Bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks
Blankets
Dry storage for small personal items
All required safety gear
Not Included
Guide gratuity
Alcoholic beverages
Personal clothing or rain gear
Montana Conservation License, if required for your group
What To Bring
Layers and a light jacket
Sunglasses and hat
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Camera or phone
Your favorite beverages
Montana may require recreational site users age 12 and older to hold a Conservation License for certain river access and recreation uses. If required for your trip, we will let you know before the float. You can purchase one through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Mobility and comfort
Please share any mobility concerns, medical needs, or comfort concerns ahead of time so we can choose the safest access point and set the boat up properly for your group.
Trip FAQ
How do I book a scenic float?
Use the online booking button, call or text (406) 224-8972, or email swanmatt@yahoo.com. Share your date, group size, and preferred float window.
How much does the trip cost?
The base price is $595 for up to 3 guests. Additional guests are $185 per person, with a general maximum of 6 guests per boat.
How long is the float?
Most scenic floats are approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on river flows, weather, access, and the section we choose.
What start times are available?
Morning floats are centered around 9:30 AM, afternoon floats around 12:30 PM, and evening floats around 4:30 PM. Each has a flexible start window.
Can we bring alcohol?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring beer, wine, or other favorite drinks. We provide cooler space and ice.
Can we add food?
Yes. Morning boards, afternoon/evening boards, and sandwiches may be available. Food orders are best placed 48 hours in advance when possible.
Are sandwiches always available?
No. Sandwiches are available for afternoon and evening floats Tuesday through Saturday only, when timing and vendor availability allow. They are not available for morning floats, Sundays, or Mondays.
Is this safe for kids?
Yes, when conditions are appropriate. Life jackets and safety gear are provided. Let us know the ages of the kids when booking so we can plan the boat setup correctly.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe or clearly not suitable, we reschedule or refund if no good option exists. Light weather can still make for a good float, but safety and comfort come first.
Can we fish and float on the same day?
Yes. Montana Classic Boat Tours can pair with Swan's Fly Fishing for hybrid days where one boat fishes and the other scenic boat floats the same general stretch.
Where do we meet?
Meeting location depends on river flows, the section we choose, and the time of day. We send meeting details after booking.
How much should I tip the guide?
Gratuity is not included and is never required. If you had a great day, 15 to 20 percent of the trip cost is a common range.
Swan's Fly Fishing
Swan's Fly Fishing handles the guided fly fishing side and works alongside Montana Classic Boat Tours when a group wants a hybrid river day with both anglers and non-anglers.
If part of your group wants to fish and part wants the scenic wooden boat, use the mixed-group planning page to see how both programs can work together.
Book online or text Matt directly
Book online, or text Matt with your date, group size, preferred float window, and whether you want food added.